2nd officer placed on leave after videotaped arrest

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A second St. Paul police officer has been placed on administrative leave as the internal investigation into a forceful arrest captured on video continues.

The officer was among those who took part in the arrest of Eric Hightower August 28. Hightower, who was wanted for making terroristic threats against his girlfriend and breaking her window, was maced by police and then kicked as he lay on a St. Paul sidewalk. He later had his head slammed into the hood of a St. Paul squad car.

A citizen who was on the scene videotaped the arrest and posted it on YouTube. When St. Paul Police Chief Tom Smith heard about the video he viewed it and immediately ordered an internal investigation.

The officer seen kicking Hightower was quickly placed on administrative leave with pay. As the investigation proceeded officials became aware of information convinced Chief Smith believed warranted placing another officer on leave.

Smith will not elaborate on the recent information that led to his decision to place the second officer on leave.

Both men will remain off the job until the internal investigation is complete.

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